Chargers Mock Draft: How to Fix the Biggest Problems in 7 Rounds

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At this point, I don’t know if 7 rounds will be enough to fix the Bolts.  Do I have to use two picks on firing AJ and Norv?  The fact that I was able to write this article DURING this week's game speaks to how bad things have gotten.  Next week, I will actually have to see this team up close in The Swamps Of Jersey.

1. Offensive line

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This goes without saying, but the Bolts must do a better job up front.  The Jared Gaither signing has been a disaster and the scrap heap guys since Marcus McNeill was drafted in 2006 haven’t been good enough.

2. Cornerback

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Quentin Jammer doesn’t have anyone to blame for his play this season but himself. The fact that he’s said in the past that he would be open to moving to safety and still hasn’t is pathetic. 

Antoine Cason is coverage poison and Marcus Gilchrist is still erratic. Shareece Wright is also unproven. He was injured for most of the year and hasn’t played enough on defense to predict his future play.

3. Linebacker

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Ever since his late hit on Drew Brees, Melvin Ingram has been very quiet. Corey Liuget also had a subpar rookie season but looks strong right now. However, Takeo Spikes can’t play forever and hasn’t been that great in San Diego.

If San Diego runs a 3-4 again next season, they will need more impact players at linebacker. Shaun Phillips just finished his sixth straight year as a starter. Jonas Mouton was picked pretty high for a guy who couldn’t get meaningful playing time in this disastrous season.

4. Running Back

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Ryan Mathews has done none of the things needed for him to build upon last season.  He got hurt, had a costly fumble and then got hurt again. The Chargers can’t go another season without a legitimate running back.

5. Quarterback

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Philip Rivers also came up short in every area of concern from last year.  I know he won’t be going anywhere, but I have no confidence that a new coach will fix him.  

This team needs to draft its next quarterback right now.  As for with which pick, I’ll let you decide.

6. Wide Receiver

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Danario Alexander and Michael Spurlock are nice, but will it be enough?  Robert Meachem and Eddie Royal were signed to complement Malcom Floyd and Vincent Brown, but Brown went down in preseason.  Floyd hasn’t been effective without a true #1 drawing coverage away from him.

7. Safety

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Eric Weddle is still solid, but won’t get another invitation to Hawaii this year. Atari Bigby was strong early and faded late. Basically, his season mirrored the rest of the team.  Brandon Taylor, like Mouton, couldn’t crack the lineup enough to inspire confidence that he’s the safety of the future.